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Ruthless Proteas crush Black Caps

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South Africa's ruthless demolition of New Zealand showed why they are ranked the number one team in Test cricket, both captains agreed after the hosts completed an innings win in the second and final Test at St George's Park on Monday.

South Africa's ruthless demolition of New Zealand showed why they are ranked the number one team in Test cricket, both captains agreed after the hosts completed an innings win in the second and final Test at St George's Park on Monday. (Reuters)

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel used the second new ball to devastating effect as South Africa won by an innings and 193 runs before lunch on the fourth day. It was their second successive innings win against the outclassed New Zealanders. (Reuters)

"It's extremely disappointing," said New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. "But there has to be an acknowledgement of the difference in class between the two teams. We weren't good enough but we were put under tremendous pressure by a team at the very top of their game." (AFP)

"We've been very professional," said South African captain Graeme Smith, who hailed the attitude and performance of his players. "The guys have shown they are hungry to do well," said Smith. "After coming off two big series away it would have been very easy for us to idle along in these two matches but we haven't done that." (Reuters)

Man-of-the-match Steyn took three for 48 for match figures of 8-65 while Morkel took 2-36 as New Zealand were bowled out for 211 on Monday, with their last five wickets falling for just eight runs. (AFP)

The new ball was taken shortly afterwards and the rest of the batsmen folded quickly, with an early finish becoming inevitable when Watling was bowled by Steyn for 63. Smith said he was particularly pleased that Steyn and Morkel had excellent back-up, with Vernon Philander starring in the first Test, while Rory Kleinveldt took key wickets when Philander was ruled out of the second Test with a hamstring injury. (AP)